Who Will Play Captain America? Mike Vogel Confirms He's In The Running

Mike Vogel in the Running for Captain America

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Rumors are swirling about casting the lead in Paramount's upcoming "The First Avenger: Captain America," and director Joe Johnston has said that an announcement is expected in the upcoming weeks.

But on Friday, one candidate, Mike Vogel, confirmed that he was in the running.

Although he didn't say much, Vogel told HitFix that he was "trying not to jinx" the possibility of stepping into the role of Steve Rogers.

He also stated briefly that it was a "great opportunity."

The entertainment news site caught up with the "She's Out of My League" actor along with his cast mates.

His "League" co-star, Lindsay Sloane, told the site that, "We're going all be walking around this week like this," as she faced Vogel while crossing both fingers.

The casting of Captain America is one of the most anticipated in the Marvel comic book world right now. The film, already well into pre-production, is slated for a July 22, 2011 release date.

Online reports have speculated that whoever is cast in the role must sign up for up to a possible nine future film options, including most likely "The Avengers" movie, which is due in 2010 from director Jon Favreau ("Iron Man," "Iron Man 2").

Deadline Hollywood was the first to report that the casting was down to five main finalists. Those frontrunners include John Krasinski from "The Office," Chace Crawford from "Gossip Girl," Scott Porter from "Friday Night Lights," Michael Cassidy of "Smallville" and Vogel.

Garrett Hedlund from the upcoming "Tron Legacy" and Patrick Flueger ("The 4400") have also had their names in the mix.